El Gouna, Egypt – October 19, 2025- El Gouna Film Festival proudly announces the launch of “Meet the Expert”, a key initiative under the CineGouna Talents program, designed to bridge the gap between emerging filmmakers and established professionals across the local, regional, and international film industries.

Supported by the Impact Partners — Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, the European Union in Egypt, and Drosos Foundation — this program reflects the festival’s deep commitment to nurturing creative roots and empowering the next generation of filmmakers through knowledge, experience, and direct professional engagement.

Participants in the CineGouna Talents program will have the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with top industry professionals in diverse fields, including directing, acting, editing, and music composition. These sessions are designed not as formal lectures but as interactive, human-centered conversations that encourage open dialogue, personal reflection, and professional exchange.

Participating experts include:

Abdallah Dannuar, Ahmed Amer, Ahmed Nabil, Ahmed Sabbour, Ahmed Taima, Amal Qallati, Andrew Mohsen, Céline Roustan, Joanna Duncombe, Karim El Shenawy, Luc Lener, Madeline Reddy, Mariam El Tahawy & Salma Malhas, Mina Samy, Mohamed Taymour, Rachid Abdelhamid, Reem El Adl, Sameh Alaa, Sedky Sakhr, Sezza Zayed, Souli Gharbia, Tarek Ibrahim, Théo Lionel, Thuraya Ismail, Yannis Gay, Yasser Naaim & Ahmed Magdy, Yomna Khattab, and Zeina Abdel Baki.

This year, with support from Drosos Foundation, the program introduces a new dimension — a public podcast series featuring selected recordings from the sessions. These episodes will serve as a living archive and an accessible resource for anyone seeking to understand the inner workings of the film world. Upon completion, participants will also receive a curated booklet summarizing key insights, practical advice, and highlights from each session.

Commenting on the initiative, Amr Mansi, CEO of El Gouna Film Festival, said:

“Through initiatives like Meet the Expert, we aim to build genuine bridges between emerging filmmakers and seasoned professionals. Our goal is not merely to transfer knowledge, but to spark human and creative connections that may reshape participants’ careers. The podcast will extend this exchange beyond the festival, making it a lasting reference for aspiring filmmakers everywhere.”

Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of the Festival, added:

“Cinema goes far beyond craft — it is a dialogue and an act of exchange. Meet the Expert sessions create a rare space for listening, questioning, and inspiration. We hope these encounters ignite new ideas and projects that enrich both Arab and global cinema.”

Hayat El Guweily, Head of CineGouna Talents, noted:

“At CineGouna, we believe that a festival’s greatest gift lies not only in its films but in the relationships it fosters. Over the past two editions, Meet the Expert has proven this truth — many participants have found jobs, mentorships, and career-shaping opportunities that began in these sessions.”

Through this initiative, El Gouna Film Festival reaffirms its ongoing commitment to nurturing the voices of tomorrow and ensuring that young creatives have access to the knowledge and connections that shape their professional journeys.